The Topical Niacin Skin Flush Test in First Episode Psychosis

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change in visual rating of skin response (redness and oedema) [ Time Frame: ratings made at 3, 6, 9 and 12 minutes after application of methyl nicotinate ]

A 7-point visual rating scale, previously tested for reliability (Kerr 2008), to visually rate the skin response to aqueous methyl nicotinate (niacin) with respect to both redness and oedema as a function of increasing niacin concentrations.Ratings will be acquired every three minutes over a 12-minute period starting at the time of solution application.

The Topical Niacin Skin Flush Test: A Means for Longitudinal Monitoring of Two Different Biological Subgroups of Patients With First Episode Psychosis

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to gather normative data from healthy adults and to determine a sensitive and specific cut-off value for responders and non-responders to the Niacin Skin Flush Test in a sample of first episode psychosis patients.

Detailed Description

Not Provided

Study Type

Observational

Study Design

Observational Model: CohortTime Perspective: Prospective

Target Follow-Up Duration

Not Provided

Biospecimen

Not Provided

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Healthy young adults

Condition

Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia

Intervention

Other: skin test

four patches of 2 x 3cm thin blotting paper will be soaked with an equivalent amount (0.1 mL) of aqueous methyl nicotinate in four different concentrations: 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, 0.0001 M. The four patches will then be applied at the same time to the inner forearm for 60 seconds.

Study Groups/Cohorts

Healthy Control

Caucasian males and females between 19 and 30 years of age.

Intervention: Other: skin test

First Episode Psychosis

Caucasian males and females between 19 and 30 years of age within twelve months of initial DSM IV TR diagnosis of schizophreniform psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or psychotic disorder NOS.